JP7308269B2 - Surface-attached micro-optical anti-counterfeiting security device - Google Patents

Description

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide (i) products suitable for use in protecting (i.e. authenticating or beautifying) high value or high security products; To such high value or high security products, collectively referred to herein as protected products, and to manufactured products, referred to herein as security devices. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of protecting (ie, authenticating or beautifying) protected products. Further, the present invention relates to (iii) a protected product, (iv) a protected product formed by a method of affixing a security device to a protected product, and (v) a method of manufacturing a security device, and (vi ) also relates to a security device formed by this method. In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to (vii) use of a security device to protect a protected product.

Products to be protected include high safety products and high value products. High security products themselves include, but are not limited to, security documents such as banknotes, checks, and government identification documents such as licenses, security passes, passports and official government letterhead. The high-value products themselves may include domestic goods, personal products, apparel, and branded products such as high-tech products. These protected products may rely on various authentication tools to help mitigate the spread of counterfeit products. Among the various authentication tools available to manufacturers/users of protected products are watermarks, specialty fibers, embedded threads, and windowed threads.

Watermarking serves as an authentication tool by providing an obstacle to would-be counterfeiters. Would-be counterfeiters often rely on the latest developments in printing and photocopying technology to reproduce/copy genuine banknotes. For example, users of banknotes require the presence of certain watermark indicia, such as depictions of people, numbers, letters, symbols, and/or landscapes, to authenticate these high-security documents. depends on Such watermark indicia are generally incorporated into banknotes during the manufacturing process of the paper used to form the banknotes. In certain cases, the watermark indicium is imbued with a certain motility/mobility effect whereby subtle or more pronounced changes in the observer's perspective to the protected product are reflected in the indicia. lead to an observable change in the appearance or position of For example, viewing a watermark indicia in reflected light, the viewer will see the indicia have a first appearance, while in transmitted light (i.e., the paper is held between the viewer and the light source). A second look is provided when viewing the watermark indicia with light through the paper. However, watermarks can impose certain technical and functional limitations. For example, to meet certain criteria for validity, watermarks need to incorporate high-definition detail, which can often be very difficult to provide consistently across a large number of banknotes. There are cases. Therefore, without such high-definition details, counterfeiters produce banknotes that look genuine on commercially available high-definition and high-resolution printers to produce counterfeit banknotes. so that they are properly prepared.

Specialty fabrics are another authentication tool often used to protect high security documents through security or aesthetics. To prove the authenticity of a banknote, for example, fibers are added to the paper pulp during manufacture so that the resulting paper has a specific color or a specific machine detectable color. At the signal, the fibers appear to be distributed. However, most of the incorporation of fibers into paper is by random distribution throughout the bulk of the paper and/or over the surface area of the paper. Thus, the security characteristics of the fibers change for each of the numerous sets of banknotes that are otherwise relatively identical. The variability of this protected set of products allows counterfeiters to produce counterfeit versions that are not easily identifiable to the end user.

Embedded threads are another authentication tool. This embedded thread can take many forms, but its incorporation into a secured document product is generally used during the manufacturing process of the paper used to form high security documents. is performed on Although such authentication tools allow machines of central banks and BEMs (Banknote Equipment Manufacturers) to easily authenticate banknotes, such devices are often hidden from the public. and is not dynamically involved in the public. Counterfeiters rely on this passive interaction between the public and embedded threads to get past the public end-users who act as Level 1 authenticators of such documents.

Windowed threads introduce a partial solution to the problem provided by embedded threads, but can create additional challenges that can be exploited by counterfeiters. For example, the fenestration thread may be woven into the banknote during the manufacturing process of the paper used to manufacture the banknote. In its final form, the threads are exposed in areas called windows and buried under the paper in areas called bridges. While these window areas allow public end users to interact with the security features, this also increases the likelihood of counterfeiting that looks very authentic. The reason for this is that the counterfeiter can simply move the areas of threads under the bridge and incorporate them into the areas of the windows of the counterfeit banknote, thereby producing what appears to be a genuine banknote. is.

As is evident from the above, protecting protected products continues to offer a myriad of technological changes. So far, there remains the challenge of adding security features to the surface of high security documents, especially banknotes. The reason for this is that such authentication tools, whether in the form of stripes or patches, often add variations in the thickness of the banknote (sometimes referred to as caliper differential) and this This is because downstream processes such as BEMS machines may not be able to cope, shortening the banknote's life cycle during circulation. As discussed herein, the manufacture, method, use, and product-by-process of the present disclosure provide a security device to protect high-security documents, etc., without all of the attendant drawbacks discussed above. It has been proven to be surprisingly effective in incorporating it into the surface of products that use it.

The invention is as set forth in the claims provided herein. However, for purposes of clarity, the following detailed description may enable one skilled in the art (i.e., PHOSITA) to make and use the claimed invention without undue experimentation. The drawings and drawings are provided as exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Each element or component of a separate embodiment provided herein may be applied to another separate embodiment provided herein, thereby forming a further embodiment Please understand.

In view of the shortcomings identified above, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide (i) a security device, (ii) a method of forming the security device, (iii) a security device formed by this method, ( iv) a protected product; (v) a method of forming the protected product; (vi) a protected product formed by this method; and (vii) a security device for protecting the protected document. and, all of which are free from at least some of the drawbacks identified above. The inventors have surprisingly found that the present invention meets this objective.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a security device comprises (i) an array of imaging elements, (ii) an array of focusing elements, and (iii) a security film having at least one anti-stick substance, wherein the focus The array of alignment elements and the array of image elements are oriented relative to each other such that a composite image is projected by the security film when at least a portion of the array of image elements is viewed through at least a portion of the array of focusing elements. and a detackifying substance is bonded to the array of focusing elements.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of forming a security device is to provide a security film, (i) laminating an array of focusing elements onto an array of imaging elements, thereby: causing a composite image to be projected by the security film when the array of image elements is viewed through the array of focusing elements; and (ii) bonding an anti-adhesion substance to the focusing elements; Including providing a security film.

In a further aspect, the invention is a security device formed by the method described in the immediately preceding paragraph. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a security device comprises (i) an array of imaging elements, (ii) an array of focusing elements, and (iii) a security film having at least one anti-stick substance, wherein the focus The array of alignment elements and the array of image elements are oriented relative to each other such that a composite image is projected by the security film when at least a portion of the array of image elements is viewed through at least a portion of the array of focusing elements. and an anti-adhesive substance bonded to the array of focusing elements, the security device providing a security film comprising: (i) placing the array of focusing elements on the array of imaging elements; lamination so that a composite image is projected by the security film when the array of imaging elements is viewed through the array of focusing elements; and by a method including providing a security film.

In various embodiments according to the present disclosure, a protected product comprises a protected product substrate and a security film having an anti-stick substance and bonded to the protected product substrate.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method includes providing a security film and bonding the security film to a product substrate to be protected.

In a further aspect, certain embodiments include protected products produced using methods of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the protected product comprises a protected product substrate and a security film having an anti-stick substance and bonded to the protected product substrate, wherein the protected product comprises a security film. It is formed by a method that includes providing a film and bonding the security film to the product substrate to be protected.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include use of security devices constructed according to some embodiments to protect protected documents. In one particular related embodiment, use includes using a security device as described throughout this specification to secure a protected product.

The aspects and embodiments summarized generally above will be explained in more detail in subsequent paragraphs and drawings.

DEFINITIONS As used herein, the term "anti-stick" means preventing the security film from sticking to itself during winding due to its own stickiness. do.

As used herein, the term "or" is understood to include "or," "and," or "and/or," unless the context requires otherwise. shall be

As used herein, the term "coupled" shall be understood to include two components that are directly or indirectly attached to each other.

As used herein, the term "F#" or "F-number" shall mean the ratio of the focal length of the focusing element to the effective diameter of the focusing element.

As used herein, the term "beyond" means that in the final product the product can be physically oriented in at least one direction, where the array of focusing elements is on top and the image We shall mean that the array of elements is below the array of focusing elements.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device provided by certain embodiments of the present disclosure, with a security film laminated onto a carrier film; FIG. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device, with a security film positioned between a carrier film and a transfer film, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device with a security film coupled to a transfer film according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the security device (eg, security device of FIG. 3) further includes an adhesive element and a primer layer; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, with the security film positioned between the transfer film and the substrate to be protected; FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate security device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, with a security film secured to a substrate protected by an adhesive element; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an array of image elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the image elements are provided by microstructures or by printing and are arranged on or in the array of image elements (e.g., image element layer). provide voids and protrusions in the FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an array of image elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image elements stacked beneath an optical spacer including a relief structure disposed over at least a portion of one side of the spacer; 1A-1D are cross-sectional views showing three embodiments according to the present disclosure incorporating an anti-blocking substance and an imaging element; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a security device, according to certain embodiments, including a separate anti-adhesion material layer over the focusing element and formed via separation of the transfer film from the security film; FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a security device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, with a security film affixed to the substrate to be protected; 1 is an isometric cut-away view of a security film according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, showing an array of image elements, spacers with relief structures, and an array of focusing elements bonded together to produce a composite image; FIG. there is 1 is a cross-sectional view of a security device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the focusing element is reflective and positioned below the array of image elements and the transfer film, the transfer film above the image elements; FIG. and is used to transfer the security film to the substrate (not shown) to be protected.

A very thin security film ensures the authenticity or aesthetics of the protected product by using a carrier film and/or a transfer film to attach the security film to the protected product. I know it can be used for

Further advantages will become apparent to PHOSITA when considered in light of this disclosure.

A security device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure comprises (i) an array of imaging elements, (ii) an array of focusing elements, and (iii) a security film having at least one anti-stick substance. This security film is also referred to herein as film F9 under certain embodiments.

In light of the present disclosure (i.e., the claims, the drawings, and the detailed description), PHOSITA understands that various embodiments other than those expressly set forth herein are possible. As such, various other embodiments within the scope of this disclosure can be readily envisioned.

For example, in various embodiments additional components may be added to the array of imaging elements, the array of focusing elements, and the anti-adhesion material. In certain embodiments, for example, the security device includes one or more of the additional components of an optical spacer, an embedding material, a primer layer, a contrast material, a machine readable component, or a back coating as part of the security film. contains. Similarly, security film components (e.g., arrays of imaging elements and arrays of focusing elements) may be altered by altering any one or set of color, shape, size, dimensions, or chemical composition of the components. may be modified to change its optical response/projection. Additionally, in some embodiments according to the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the security device includes other components in addition to the security film. For example, in certain embodiments the security device includes at least one of a carrier film, a transfer film, or an adhesive element.

As used herein, image elements refer to relief structures arranged in an array to form an image (eg, an entire image, a portion of an image, or a frame). The relief structures are distributed in a pattern across the array such that when viewed through the array of focusing elements, the focusing elements and image elements cooperate to project a composite image. Suitable image elements and methods of providing them are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005/052650, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2006/125224, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2008/008635, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2011/019912. , International Patent Application Publication No. WO2011/163298, International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2013/028534, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2014/143980, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2009/017824, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2016/ International Patent Application Publication No. WO2016/011249, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2013/163287, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2007/133613, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012/103441, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2015/ 148878, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005/106601, and International Patent Application Publication No. WO2006/087138. All of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Relief structures according to some embodiments comprise voids (e.g., through-holes and recesses) and adjacent or adjacent solid regions (e.g., protrusions), and the composite image includes voids, protrusions, and voids. Projected from each portion, each portion of the projection, or any combination thereof. These relief structures may be formed on or within the array layer. For example, protrusions are printed (e.g., by inkjet printing, laser jet printing, letterpress printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or even intaglio printing) onto the layer, thereby forming printed protrusions with adjacent printed voids. Alternatively, there may be embossing within the layer, thereby forming embossed protrusions with adjacent embossed voids. Additionally, the printed protrusions may be embedded, thereby forming an array of embedded relief structures. The array of image elements may comprise any combination of these printed, embossed, or embedded image elements. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that different sizes are appropriate for the image elements, that the array of image elements may all have the same dimensions, or that the sizes may vary. However, in some embodiments, the image elements are microstructured, meaning that some, or a substantial amount, or all of the image elements are micron-sized. For example, in certain embodiments, relief structures (i.e., voids and/or protrusions) that are relied upon to project composite images have depths ranging from about 0.25 μm to about 8 μm, and depths ranging from about 10 μm to about 10 μm. It has a width in the range of about 40 μm. A variety of materials may also be selected for forming the array of image elements, suitable examples include acrylics, acrylated polyesters, acrylated urethanes, epoxies, polycarbonates, polypropylene, and the like. Included are polymers that are transparent, colored, or colorless. Various means of providing the layers will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure. However, exemplary methods include extrusion, radiation curable casting, injection molding, reaction injection molding, or reaction molding. Preferably, the material chosen has a refractive index greater than 1.2, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 1.9.

The composite image projected by the security film through cooperation of the imaging and focusing elements relies on the contrast between voids and protrusions to be discernible. This contrast may be provided by dimensional and geometrical differences between the voids and protrusions, or may be provided by contrast treatments applied to the voids and/or protrusions. Contrast processing involves applying a contrast material to the security film such that the contrast material provides contrast between the voids and the protrusions, or between their respective portions. This contrast treatment can be done in a number of ways including using different materials to form the voids, solid regions or their respective portions, or by using contrast materials to form the voids, protrusions or their respective portions. can be provided by binding to Bonding the contrast material includes filling or coating the voids or portions thereof, coating the protrusions or portions thereof, coating the back side of the voids or portions thereof, the back side of the protrusions or portions thereof. coating, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the verb "coating" includes both rearward and forward coating of voids, protrusions, or portions thereof. Various contrast materials for filling or coating will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure. However, for fillings or coatings it is preferred that the contrast material is a vapour-deposited metallic material with different refractive indices or a dyed or pigmented material. When the image element is embedded, the embedded protrusions are due to photographic emulsion, colored or dyed ink absorbed in the ink receptor coating, sublimation transfer of dye transferred to the dye receptor coating, and the like in the image film. Photochromic or thermochromic images can be formed by silver particles in gelatin. Alternatively, if the relief structure is printed onto the image element array layer, the printed protrusions are of dyed, pigmented or reflective material or of transparent polymeric material. be able to. In certain embodiments, the protrusions or portions thereof are of dyed or pigmented material, while the printed voids are in some embodiments contrast treated like the voids described above. It is also possible. It should be understood that while filling the void refers to occupying the entire depth of the void, the coating refers to less than the entire volume of the void. The coat can be in the form of voids or protrusions or a very thin layer that follows the back of voids or protrusions.

In at least one embodiment, contrast is provided by a layer of contrast material disposed between or coupled to the array of imaging elements and the array of focusing elements. In certain embodiments, the layer of contrast material is discontinuous as it fills/coats the voids but does not coat the solid areas or is removed from the solid areas. According to some embodiments, the contrast material may be arranged such that it fills/coats at least a portion of the voids and coats at least a portion of the solid regions. When voids are filled or coated and solid regions are coated, contrast can be effectively provided by dimensional/geometric differences between voids and solid regions.

A variety of contrast materials are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure and will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of the description provided herein. For example, suitable contrast materials include pigmented materials, materials that can be cured in situ to have optical contrast, or reflective materials. In preferred embodiments, the contrast material is a pigmented material that can be used to coat/fill voids or is used for printing protrusions and forming voids. Alternatively, the contrast material is a reflective material such as aluminum, zinc or copper.

In various embodiments, the security device includes additional components in the form of ink layers that fill/coat the microstructures (eg, voids or solid regions) formed within the layer of security film. In some embodiments, the security device includes an additional component in the form of an aluminum back coating that coats the back of the recess. In certain embodiments, an additional component is a contrast material in the form of an aluminum back coating that coats the back of the solid area. In an alternative embodiment, the additional component is contrast material in the form of colored or reflective material printed on the layer of security film. Various combinations of these embodiments are also contemplated, including backcoating portions of the imaging element while filling or frontcoating other portions.

Image elements are organized into arrays in various embodiments. The image elements, whether the entire image, a portion of the image or a frame, are magnified in a repeating pattern in multiple dimensions of the array, thereby providing a repeating period and pitch. there is Various means of forming an array of image elements will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure.

The array of focusing elements is coupled to the array of image elements such that a composite image is projected by the security film when the image elements or portions thereof are viewed through the array of focusing elements or portions thereof. . Suitable focusing elements and methods of providing them are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005/052650, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2006/125224, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2008/008635, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2011/019912. International Patent Application Publication No. WO2011/163298; International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2013/028534; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2014/143980; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2009/017824; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2016/011249; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2013/163287; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2007/133613; International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012/103441; /148878, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2017/105504, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005/106601, and International Patent Application Publication No. WO2006/087138. All of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Various focusing elements are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. For example, focusing elements that are refractive, focusing elements that are reflective (eg, concave or convex reflecting), hybrid reflective/refractive focusing elements, and diffractive focusing elements are suitable. be. Additionally, the focusing elements may be selected from cylindrical or non-cylindrical lenses, focusing reflectors, opaque layers containing multiple apertures, or reflective layers. Additionally, these non-cylindrical lenses generally comprise a lens body and a lens base. Lens bodies and lens bases for non-cylindrical lenses may be selected from spherical, aspherical (eg, conical, elliptical, parabolic, etc.), or combinations thereof. The bases of these lenses may be selected from a variety of dimensions, preferably circular, elliptical or polygonal. These focusing elements are arranged in regular, patterned or random arrays, one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrays. The focusing elements may be arranged in subsets of focusing elements such that each subset is arranged in a polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal shaped pattern. In various embodiments, when the focusing elements are arranged in a polygonal shape, each side of the polygon includes at least two focusing elements. Further, it is contemplated herein that the focusing elements may be of various colors, shapes, sizes, dimensions, or chemical compositions. Although it is preferred that the focusing elements have a uniform shape and size across the array of focusing elements, in certain embodiments the color, shape, size, dimensions, or chemical composition will vary across the array. It is also possible.

A security device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure includes an array of embedded focusing elements. It has been found that embedding the focusing elements can mitigate the overall contamination associated with the focusing elements. Suitable implant formations and methods of implanting focusing elements are provided in US Pat. No. 8,867,134. This document is incorporated herein in its entirety. In certain embodiments, the embedding material has a refractive index that is less than the refractive index of the focusing element.

Although the options described above and various other options that will become apparent to PHOSITA in light of this disclosure are suitable, in some embodiments the focusing element is formed in a polymer film layer. Dimensional array non-cylindrical micro-sized lenses. These lenses have an aspherical body and a polygonal (eg, hexagonal) base geometry. A subset of the focusing elements are arranged in a hexagonal pattern as the pattern is expanded across the array. A ratio of the repetition period of the image elements to the repetition period of the focusing elements in at least one direction is substantially equal to 1, and the axis of symmetry of the array of image elements and the corresponding axis of symmetry of the array of focusing elements are: The rotation is staggered to provide an ortho-parallax motion effect for the at least one synthetically magnified image. In various embodiments such security devices have a thickness of less than 50 μm, more preferably less than 40 μm.

A lens is characterized by an F#, which may be adjusted as desired to change the composite image and its optical effect. A suitable F-number is preferably adjusted to less than 10, more preferably less than about 4, and in some embodiments most preferably less than 2 or 1 in terms of the desired thickness of the security film or security device. . The composite image is also adjusted by the relative placement and alignment of the array of focusing elements with respect to the array of image elements, each array having a respective repetition period. The repetition period of each array may be adjusted so that its ratio is equal to 1, slightly above or slightly below 1, but substantially above or substantially below 1. Percentages are also possible. The base diameter of the focusing elements (equivalent to the base width for cylindrical lenses) may be adjusted as desired, and these base diameters are between 200 μm and 500 μm, between 50 μm and 200 μm, less than 50 μm (more preferably about less than 45 μm or ranging from about 10 μm to about 40 μm) is within the scope of this disclosure. The focusing element is further modified by adjusting the focal length such that the focal length allows viewing of the image elements of the array of image elements through the focusing element and projection of the composite image. There is A focal length of less than 50 μm is suitable, more preferably less than 45 μm, and in various embodiments most preferably ranging from about 10 μm to about 30 μm.

Materials of various refractive indices may be employed to form the array of focusing elements, but it is most appropriate to use those materials having refractive indices ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.5. I know there is. Hoffmuller et al. refractive index (at 589 nm, 20° C.) greater than 1.5, greater than 1.6, greater than 1.7, or higher, such as those described in US Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0109317 A1 to A high refractive index, colored or colorless material having a used to do so). Gradient index lenses are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Various components may be coupled to the array of focusing elements. Applicants have found that by bonding an anti-stick substance to the array of focusing elements, manufacturability is substantially improved. In certain embodiments, bonding the anti-adhesive substance to the array of focusing elements should be done without interfering with the optical function of the array of focusing elements, thereby projecting a composite image. Note that we maintain the optical integrity necessary for Accordingly, a suitable anti-stick substance should not substantially interfere with the F#, focal length, color, or refractive index of the array of focusing elements. In addition, some suitable anti-blocking substances impart a targeted adhesion balance (TAB) to the focusing element formulation, so that during manufacturing the adhesion between the security film and the transfer film is Strong enough to avoid delamination during the transport phase, but weak enough to allow easy separation of the array of focusing elements from the transfer film during the transfer phase. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the anti-blocking substance modulates the adhesive strength of the interface between the security film and the transfer film.

Although, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that the anti-blocking substance is bound to the array of focusing elements by incorporation within the security film as a separate layer separate from the array of focusing elements. It is also contemplated that the antiblocking material is disposed on the array of focusing elements in a discontinuous manner, such as when blended as a dispersion or emulsion. In certain embodiments, the anti-blocking substance may be bound to the array of focusing elements as a random or statistical distribution of particles or within a cross-section of some thickness of the array of focusing elements. may be combined as layers of In certain embodiments, when the anti-blocking substance is disposed within the array of focusing elements as a distribution of particles, the particles are uncolored or similarly colored as the focusing elements, thereby , such that these particles are indistinguishable from the focusing element. Bonding the anti-blocking material to the array of focusing elements involves selecting the focusing element formulation, mixing/blending or otherwise combining the anti-blocking formulation into the focusing elements, using solvents, mixtures, dispersions, etc. , forming an emulsion or the like.

In some embodiments, the detackifying material is associated with an array of focusing elements, also wherein the detackifying material is a transfer formation, a transfer formation layer, a focusing element formation, a focusing element formation. It is within the scope of the present invention to be bound to an object layer (an array of focusing elements), or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the antiblocking agent is a surfactant, such as a nonionic surfactant, or a nonionic emulsifier. Suitable nonionic surfactants will be apparent to PHOSITA. However, it has been found effective to use surfactants having at least one ester function and a hydrocarbon. According to at least one embodiment, the surfactant comprises multiple or alternative groups of esters and hydrocarbons.

Alternative surfactants include those carrying alternating ethylene oxide and alkylene oxide units. For example, surfactants having a repeating pattern of EO-AO-EO-AO are suitable. Each EO or AO group represents approximately between 1 and 10 ethylene oxide or alkylene oxide groups, respectively. These examples are surfactants of the general formula below.

wherein R ¹ means a linear or branched, saturated, monoalkyl or polyunsaturated fatty acid C _6-24 alkyl or alkenyl group, each group R ² or R ³ is selected from —CH ₃ , —CH ₂ CH ₃ , —CH ₂ CH ₂ —CH ₃ , —CH(CH ₃ ) ₂ and the mutually independent indices w, x, y, z are 1 to 6 natural numbers. These can be prepared by known methods from the corresponding alcohol R ¹ -OH and ethylene oxide or alkylene oxide.

US Pat. No. 6,677,293 also discloses nonionic block copolymers that are suitable surfactants and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The security film projects a composite image that will be understood as an image constructed through the cooperation of an array of imaging elements and an array of focusing elements. This cooperation can take several forms. However, in a preferred form, a viewer observing image elements or portions of image elements through a focusing element will see a magnified version of these image elements or portions of image elements, thereby reducing the visibility of the viewer's eyes. stereoscopically combines various magnified image elements or portions of image elements to provide an image (i.e., a composite image) or multiple composite images composed of the magnified portions of the image elements. These composite images may display various optical effects, including Deep, SuperDeep, Float, or SuperFloat, and various parallax motions as the viewer's viewpoint with respect to the security film or security device changes. Various other optical effects are also possible, and such effects will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure. As it relates to a composite image, composite image as used herein refers to an image formed through magnification and composition of image points underlying focusing elements in an array of image elements. be understood. An image point can be an entire image, a portion of an image, or a frame. As used herein, frames constitute images of different angles of the same image, such as when an image is constructed in a biaxial intersection of images viewed from varying axes along the x- and y-axes. We refer to image points (pixels). Frames and biaxially interlaced image elements are described in US Pat. No. 9,019,613. This document is incorporated herein in its entirety. Suitable composite images include (i) U.S. Pat. No. 9,482,792, (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,711, (iii) U.S. Pat. 8,310,760, (v) U.S. Patent No. 7,468,842, (vi) U.S. Patent No. 7,738,175, (vii) U.S. Patent No. 8,773,763, and (viii) ) in U.S. Pat. No. 8,867,134. All of these documents are incorporated herein in their entirety.

As discussed, it is contemplated within the scope of the invention that various other components may be added to the security film or security device. For example, the composite image and its image quality will depend in part on whether the distance from the focusing element to the image element is coextensive with the focal length of the focusing element. This distance can be adjusted by the presence or absence of optical spacers. An optical spacer is positioned between the focusing element and the imaging element. For example, the focusing and imaging elements may be arranged in an array on each side of an optical spacer, or the spacer may be arranged as a separate layer between the array of focusing elements and the array of imaging elements. may be Suitable spacers are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2005/052650. This document is incorporated herein in its entirety. The optical spacers are preferably formed using one or more essentially colorless or transparent materials, including but not limited to polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, Contains polymers such as polyvinylidene chloride. A means of bonding optical spacers to other components (e.g. arrays of focusing elements, arrays of imaging elements) is to laminate the components present in emulsion or dispersion form and then cure these layers in situ. and will be apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure.

Optical spacers may take many shapes, including flat, sinusoidal, or other structural reliefs. In preferred embodiments, the optical spacer optical spacer includes a structural relief on at least one of its sides. More preferably, the optical spacer has a relief structure located proximal to the focusing element formed by an embossing tool used to form the lens or focusing element in the polymeric material. In such instances, the relief structure is preferably an array of lenses (spacer-lens), having at least one repeating period and extending over multiple axes. The ratio of the spacer-lens repetition period to the focusing element repetition period is preferably slightly less than one or slightly greater than one. However, in alternative embodiments, the repetition period is equal to one, substantially greater than one, or substantially less than one. It is also conceivable for the optical spacer to have a width that is equal to or less than the width of the array of image elements.

In one particular embodiment, the array of focusing elements has a first repetition period and the spacer relief structure has a second repetition period, the first repetition period being greater than the second repetition period. be. Therefore, it is within the scope of the invention for the spacer-lens and the focusing element to be of different sizes. It should also be clear that the spacer-lens and focusing element include, but are not limited to, embodiments having the same size, shape, material, repetition period, or refractive index. However, in preferred embodiments, the refractive index of the spacer is the same or substantially the same as the refractive index of the array of focusing elements.

In certain embodiments, the security device further comprises at least one of a carrier film, a transfer film, and a protected product substrate in addition to the security film. A carrier film, if present, is bonded to the security film on the side close to the array of image elements, and a transfer film, if present, is bonded to the security film on the side opposite the array of image elements. Where there is a protected product substrate bonded to the film, the protected product substrate is bonded to the security film on the side without the carrier film, close to the array of image elements.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of providing a security device and a method of providing a protected product. The method generally comprises a first transfer (TPP1) phase, a first transfer phase (TFP1), a second transfer phase (TPP2), a second transfer phase (TFP2), and a third transfer phase (TPP3). ). A first transport phase involves using an intermediate film F1 (eg, a carrier film) to transport the security film as the security film is bonded to the carrier film. In a subsequent first transfer phase, the security film bonded to the carrier film is further bonded to the transfer film starting the first transfer phase. Here the security device comprises a carrier film and the security film and the transfer film are separated at or along the interface between the carrier film and the security film. In a second transport phase, the security device is provided when the security film is bonded to the transfer film and thereby transported. In a second transfer phase, the security film is then bonded to the substrate of the product to be protected to form another intermediate security device including the security film positioned between the transfer film and the product substrate to be protected. This security device is separated during TFP2, at or along the interface between the security film and the transfer film. In a third transfer phase, the security film is bonded to the substrate of the product to be protected.

In forming the security device, the carrier film is used as a base substrate for forming and/or transporting the security film. This can best be illustrated by the intermediate film (100) shown in FIG. The carrier film (120) comprises a base film bf1 (101) and optionally at least one of a subcoat layer (102) and an anti-blocking element (not shown). Optimal materials for bf1(101) will become apparent to PHOSITA in view of this disclosure. However, in preferred embodiments, bf1 (101) is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride film or sheet, mylar sheet, cellophate, paper, rag/cotton, or any combination thereof.

In one particular embodiment, the first transport phase includes using a carrier film (120) to transport the security film (130). Here, the base film bf1 (101) of the carrier film (120) has a first side and a second side. A first subcoat layer (102) is bonded to the first side. On the opposite second side there is optionally a second subcoat layer and at least one of an anti-blocking element (bonded to the side of the second subcoat layer opposite bf1). A layer of security film (130) is thus built up on the first subcoat layer (102). Thus, the security film can be built up layer by layer or can be applied as a prefabricated multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the security film can be built layer by layer. wherein a first layer of security film (130) is an array of image elements (103 (including 103′ and 103″)), optionally followed by a layer of contrast material (104); An array of focusing elements, optionally followed by optical spacers (105), pre-treated (as described above) or treated in situ (by spray or suction deposition) with an anti-blocking substance (115) (106) follows, thereby providing intermediate film F6.

In one particular embodiment of the first transfer phase shown in FIG. 2, film F6 (100) has a carrier film (220) bonded to a security film (230) and is fed through a press, thereby , is bonded to the transfer film (F6') (240). Here, the base film (bf2) (209) of the transfer film (240) has a first side and a second side. A first subcoat layer (208) is bonded to the first side of bf2 (209). On the opposite second side is a second subcoat layer (not shown) and at least one of an anti-blocking element (bonded to the side of the second subcoat layer opposite bf2). Suitable anti-stick materials are apparent to PHOSITA and include materials that prevent the security film (130, 230) from adhering to itself when rolled up due to its own thickness. there is The transfer formation layer (207) is arranged between the transfer film (240) and the security film (230). Alternatively, the transfer formation (207) may be added to the security film (230), or the transfer film (240), and between both films (230, 240) while these films are transported onto the press. It should be understood that it may also be supplied independently to the In certain embodiments, a layer of image elements 203 is disposed on carrier film 220 . According to various embodiments, the layer of image elements 203 includes image elements 203' and 203''. A layer of contrast material 204 may be attached to a layer of image elements 203, as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. In certain embodiments, an optical spacer 205 may be provided over the layer of imaging elements 203 . In the first transfer phase, film F6 (100) (i.e. carrier film and security film) is bonded to transfer film (F6') (240) and then carrier film (101, 201) is transferred from film F8 (200). It is removed to produce intermediate film F9 (300), as shown in FIGS. It also has a security film (330) bonded to the transfer film (340) on the side close to the focusing element (306) and away from the imaging element (303). According to various embodiments, the layer of image elements 303 includes image elements 303' and 303''. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an optional primer layer (308) may be positioned between the decal layer (307) and the base film (309). In some embodiments, optical spacer 305 is positioned below focusing element 306 . A layer of contrast material 304 is provided below the optical spacers 305, as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG.

In a second transfer phase, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the film F9 (400) is bonded to the adhesive elements (410, 510, 520), thereby protecting the substrate of the product (not shown) to be protected. (511), where in a second transfer phase the security film (530) is transferred to the substrate (511, 611) of the product to be protected, as shown in FIG. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 4, security film 430 and transfer film 440 are illustrated. According to various embodiments, the layer of image elements 403 includes image elements 403' and 403''. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an optional primer layer (408) may be disposed between the decal layer (407) and the base film (409). In some embodiments, optical spacer 405 is positioned below focusing element 406 . As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 4, contrast material 404 is provided below optical spacers 405 . According to various embodiments, the layer of image elements 503 includes image elements 503' and 503''. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an optional primer layer (508) may be positioned between the decal layer (507) and the base film (509). In some embodiments, optical spacer 505 is positioned below focusing element 506 . A layer of contrast material 504 is provided below the optical spacers 505, as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. According to various embodiments, the layer of image elements 603 includes image elements 603' and 603''. In some embodiments, optical spacer 605 is positioned below focusing element 606 . A layer of contrast material 604 is provided below the optical spacers 605, as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. According to various embodiments, an adhesive element 610 is provided between layers 603 and 611 .

Various means are conceivable for transporting and transferring the intermediate film (eg F1 to F11) (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600). However, in a preferred embodiment the process is with a press operated with continuous feed. In a further step during the first transport phase, a contrast material layer (714''') formed from a contrast former is bonded to the array of image elements (711). Fluid coating the array of image elements (711) with a contrast former (714''') until the voids (714) are filled/coated and then optionally applying contrast material to the solid regions (714''). Various means may be used to remove the contrast material layer (714''') to an extent that does not distort the contrast between voids and solid regions. thought to provide. For example, in one embodiment, the contrast material (714''') is fluid coated onto the array of image elements (711) to fill the voids (714') and all from other areas (714''). is removed, leaving only the voids (714') laminated with contrast material (714'''). Contrast material (714''') may also be affixed to the opposite side of the array of image elements (711), or optionally or alternatively, if the protrusions are contrast material (715'). may be attached as a print (715). In a further step during the first transport phase, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical spacer layer (726) comprises the carrier films (712, 722), the array of image elements (711, 721), and optionally Combined with intermediate film F4 (710) containing contrast material (724). In one embodiment, optical spacers (726) are formed by placing a spacer formation on film F4 (710). The dimensions of spacer (726), particularly its height, can be adjusted as needed to accommodate the focal length of the focusing element. In a further step during the first transport phase, the array of focusing elements is formed by placing focusing element formations (738) on optical spacers (736) as shown in FIG. 720). An embossing device (not shown) applies a lens (cylindrical or non-cylindrical) (738) into the focusing element formation (738) before, during or after the focusing element formation (738) is uv treated with UV5. and thereby used to provide intermediate film F6 (including elements 730a, 730b, 730c and, in certain embodiments, spacer layer 730). Conceivable. FIG. 9 (730a) provides intermediate film F6 containing an array of printed image elements (734a). FIG. 9 (730b) provides intermediate film F6 containing an array of embedded image elements (734b). FIG. 9 (730c), on the other hand, provides an intermediate film F6 comprising an array of microstructured (734c) image elements. Film F6 (730a, 730b, 730c) is a base film with a subcoat stacked together such that a spacer layer (736) is positioned between an array of focusing elements (738) and an array of imaging elements. , an image former layer (i.e., an array of imaging elements) (734a, 734b, 734c), an ink layer (i.e., an ink-filled void), and a spacer former layer (i.e., a spacer layer) (736). , a focusing element formation layer (ie, an array of focusing elements) (738). In other words, the intermediate film F6 comprises a carrier film (120) (eg best shown in FIG. 1) and a security film. The focusing element formation is treated with an anti-blocking substance (715a, 715b, 715c) as provided. As shown in Figure 9, the anti-blocking substance may be provided as a separate layer (715a) within the focusing element, as a uniform or substantially uniform distribution (715b) within the focusing element, or as a It may be attached to the focusing element in a number of ways including as a separate layer (715c) placed on the element. It should be understood that each of these elements shown in these embodiments may be interchanged with each other.

In a further step during the first transfer phase, film F6 (100) (i.e. security film (230) and carrier film (220)) is fed through a continuous press, such as a continuous press on line, where 2, is combined with transfer film F6' (240) to form security device or intermediate film F7 (200). Film F6' (240) is as described herein, and in one embodiment the anti-blocking agent on base film bf2 (209) is distal from security film (230) and bf2 The first side of (209) is fed into the press such that the subcoat (208) is proximal to the security film (230). Additional layers may optionally be bonded to the F6' film, such as primer layers. Furthermore, the transfer formation layer is arranged between the security film (230) and the transfer film (240). The decal layer (207) is formed from a decal placed on the security film (230) or on the transfer film (240), preferably directly on the security film (230). According to various embodiments, the transfer formation fills the interstitial space around the focusing element, leaving the transfer film laminated to the transfer layer during the second transfer phase, but It is also peeled off from the security film during the second transfer phase. This release is best shown in FIG. 10, where the transfer formation layer (817) of transfer film 810 forms a complementary geometry to the focusing element (816) and the focusing element (816) includes an anti-sticking substance (815) disposed in a separate layer (815) on top of the focusing element (816).

In a further step of the first transfer phase, the security film (230) is removed when a force is applied to the film F8 to detach it along the interface between the security film (230) and the carrier film (220). , is debonded from the carrier film (220), thereby providing the security device, intermediate film F9 (300), as shown in FIG. Film F9 (300) includes (i) a transfer film (340) and (ii) a security film (330). Base film 300 may be provided in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In a further step of the second transfer phase, the intermediate film F9 (400) is bonded to an adhesive element (410) suitable for bonding the film F9 to the substrate to be protected, or alternatively, FIG. As shown in , an adhesive element (821) is attached to the substrate (822) to be protected. Referring to the non-limiting example of FIG. 11, an anti-adhesion agent 825 is attached to the focusing elements of security film 820 . According to various embodiments, a focusing layer 826 and a layer of image elements 823 are provided as part of security film 820 .

In the second transfer phase, as best illustrated by FIGS. 5 and 10, the intermediate security device F10 (400) is bonded to the substrate to be protected (511) to protect the product or intermediate film to be protected. It forms F10' (500). F10' is a protected product comprising a transfer film (540), a substrate to be protected (511) and a security film (530), the security film (530) being a security film (530) and a protected product (530). is bonded to the protected substrate (511) by an adhesive element (510) disposed between the substrate (511) and the substrate (511). Transfer film (540) is therefore removed from film F10', leaving film F11 with security films (530, 630) bonded to substrate (611) to be protected.

The base films bf1 and bf2 may be composed of any material with suitable flexibility to allow bending during the transfer phase. In certain embodiments, bf1 and bf2 may be the same material or different materials. In one particular embodiment, bf1 is a 59 gauge PET film while bf2 is a 92 gauge PET film.

As described herein, the resulting security film comprises an array of image elements and an array of focusing elements coupled together to project a composite image. Figures 12 and 13 provide exemplary embodiments of the resulting security films (830, 840). For example, in FIG. 12 the imaging element (831) is indicated as "$" and the focusing element (832) is a set of refractive microlenses (832) arranged in an array extending over multiple axes. is. Additionally, the security device also includes an optical spacer (833) having a relief structure (833'). Alternatively, in FIG. 13, the focusing element (842) is reflective and includes an array of image elements (841) and a substrate (not shown) positioned above the image elements and protected with a security film. It is placed below the transfer film (845) used to transfer to the

In another aspect of the invention, a product-by-process is provided whereby a security device, as described herein, is formed by the process described herein.

In another aspect of the invention, uses are provided. In one embodiment, the use includes using the security device to protect a high value or high security product by coupling the security device to a high value substrate or high security product.

A variety of protected products are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. A product to be protected includes a security device bonded to the substrate layer. Although various protected products will be apparent to PHOSITA, in one particular embodiment the protected products are high security products such as banknotes, checks, money orders, or other financial instruments. . If the product to be protected is a banknote, it is within the scope of the invention that the security device is in the form of patches or stripes of various shapes, sizes and colors. Furthermore, it is preferred, but not exclusive, that the security device is bonded to the surface of the product substrate to be protected instead of being embedded under the paper surface of the banknote. In an alternative embodiment, the security device is surface-bonded with at least one of its edges at least partially embedded under or deep inside the paper of the banknote. Suitable means of transferring the security film from the transfer film to the substrate, including by hot stamping foiling, will be apparent to PHOSITA.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the carrier film is produced by providing an intermediate film F1 comprising a base film (BF1) and a subcoat. A security film is thus formed on the carrier film (F2). To form the security film, the image formation is deposited on a subcoat of carrier film F2, where it is uv treated by uv radiation (UV2) to form microstructures in the image formation, thereby intermediate It is embossed with an icon embossing device to form film F3. Film F3 has a UV2 cured imaging layer and microstructures formed in the icon former layer by an icon embossing device. The F3 microstructure is therefore fluid coated with Ink-1 and then the excess is removed from the solid regions. Ink-1 is then uv treated with uv radiation (UV3), thereby producing intermediate film F4. A spacer layer is thus formed on the intermediate film F4. A spacer former is deposited on the image former layer side of F4 to form a spacer layer. A layer or array of focusing elements is then formed on the spacer layer by first depositing a focusing element formation on the spacer layer. A lens tool is used to create a microstructured lens within the focusing element formation. Film F6 is then uv treated again using uv radiation (UV6). Film F6 is a base film having a subcoat and an image former layer (i.e., an array of image elements) stacked together such that a spacer layer is disposed between the array of focusing elements and the array of image elements. , an ink layer (ie, an ink-filled void), a spacer former layer (ie, a spacer layer), and a focusing element former layer (ie, an array of focusing elements). In other words, intermediate film F6 comprises a carrier film and a security film.

Film F6 is fed through a press where film F6 is affixed to the transfer film, thereby forming film F7. A transfer film (film F6') is provided comprising a base film BF2, an adhesion-promoting subcoat on a first side of the base film BF2, and a subcoat and an anti-blocking layer on the opposite side thereof. there is A primer layer is bonded to the first side of film F6' to form film F6''. The transfer formation is bonded to an array of focusing elements to form film F7. An anti-stick substance is applied to the array of focusing elements in certain embodiments. Film F6'' and film F7 are joined such that the primer layer is in contact with the transfer former layer, thereby forming film F8.

Film F8 is modified to remove the carrier film and leave film F9 behind. Film F9 comprises (i) a transfer film having (ii) a primer layer, (iii) a transfer formulation layer, and (iii) a security film.

The adhesive was attached to film F9 on the icon side, thereby creating a security device (film F10).

Film F10 is cut into strips and the transfer film is removed to provide a security film (film F11). Removal of the transfer film occurs simultaneously with bonding of the security film with the product substrate to be protected.

Film F10 can also be cut into patches by turning F10 upside down so that the adhesive element is on top and BF2 is on the bottom. Patches are cut and the carrier layer is removed to produce film F11 in patch form.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the security film comprises (i) a carrier film and (ii) a security film disposed on the carrier film. The security film includes a 92 gauge base film bf1 and a subcoat disposed between the array of image elements and the bf1 film. The security film comprises an array of focusing elements disposed over the array of imaging elements, where the array of imaging elements and the array of focusing elements are disposed on opposite sides of the optical spacer. Here, the array of image elements is formed as microstructured voids filled with ink having submicron pigments. The layers of security film (image, spacer, and focus) are laminated in the order they are found in the gaps on the side of the security film with the subcoat. A subcoat of carrier film is in direct contact with the array of image elements within the security film. The array of focusing elements of the security film is treated with an anti-blocking substance.

In a third exemplary embodiment, the security device comprises (i) a carrier film, (ii) a security film, and (iii) a transfer film, wherein the security film is between the carrier film and the transfer film. are placed in The security film is directly bonded to a transfer layer located between the transfer film and the security film. The array of focusing elements is treated with an anti-blocking substance. The security film has an array of image elements in the form of printed microstructures that make up the ink.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, a security device is provided comprising (i) a product substrate to be protected, (ii) a security film, and (iii) a transfer film. The security film comprises an array of image elements directly coupled to an array of focusing elements, where the focus of the focusing elements is within a range of image element depths (ranging from 0.5 μm to 5 μm). are aligned. The array of focusing elements is bonded directly to the decal layer, which in turn is bonded to a primer layer positioned between the decal layer and the bf2 film (92 gauge). . Here, as in some of the embodiments described throughout, the focusing element is bonded to the transfer formation layer such that the negative features of the focusing element are formed in the transfer formation. It has become. An array of focusing elements is treated with an anti-stick substance to form a pattern embedded within the focusing elements. Here the product to be protected is a banknote and the security device has been transferred to the substrate as a patch.

In certain embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the security device comprises (i) an array of imaging elements (103), (ii) an array of focusing elements (106), and (iii) at least one anti-sticking comprising a security film (130) containing a substance (115), the array of focusing elements and the array of image elements when at least a portion of the array of image elements is viewed through at least a portion of the array of focusing elements; , are positioned relative to each other such that a composite image is projected by the security film, and an anti-adhesive substance is coupled to the array of focusing elements.

According to various embodiments, an optical spacer is positioned between the array of imaging elements and the array of focusing elements.

In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the security device includes an optical spacer having a relief structure.

In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the optical spacer and the array of image elements each have a width, and the width of the optical spacer is less than the width of the array of image elements.

In at least one embodiment within the first set of embodiments, the array of focusing elements has a first repetition period, the relief structure has a second repetition period, and the first repetition period is a second repetition period. is greater than 2 repetition periods.

According to various embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the image elements are formed in a repeating pattern of whole images, parts of images or frames.

In various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the image elements are microstructures.

According to some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the microstructure includes at least one of voids and solid regions.

In some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the security device further includes a contrast material coupled to the array of imaging elements.

In certain embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the contrast material is at least one of a colored material or a reflective material. Further, in some embodiments, the contrast material is an ink that is disposed within the microstructured voids to form an image element.

According to some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the contrast material comprises aluminum disposed within the microstructure voids to form the image elements.

In various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the security device includes a focusing element having a base diameter of less than 50um.

According to various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the focusing elements are arranged as an array of subsets of hexagons, each side of the hexagons containing at least two focusing elements.

In at least one embodiment within the first set of embodiments, the focusing element is embedded.

In various embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the focusing element comprises a gradient index lens.

In a particular embodiment of the first set of embodiments, the focusing element comprises at least one of a polygonal base and an aspherical body.

According to some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the focusing element has an F-number of less than 4.

In various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the array of focusing elements has a refractive index ranging from about 1.0 to about 2.5.

According to at least one embodiment within the first set of embodiments, the anti-blocking agent is a non-ionic surfactant.

According to various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the anti-blocking substance is also coupled to at least one of the optical spacer and the array of imaging elements.

In certain embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the anti-blocking agent is a surfactant having multiple ester groups.

In some embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the security device further comprises at least one of a carrier film, a transfer film, and a protected product substrate, the carrier film, if present, is bonded to a security film on the side close to the array of image elements, and the transfer film, if present, is bonded to the security film on the side opposite the array of image elements to protect it. When present, the product substrate to be protected is bonded to the security film on the side close to the array of image elements and without the carrier film.

In various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the carrier film comprises a bf1 base film and optionally comprises at least one of a subcoat layer and an anti-blocking element.

In a particular embodiment of the first set of embodiments, the carrier film comprises a bf1 base film and has a first subcoat layer bonded to the first side and a second subcoat layer bonded to the second side. It has a subcoat layer and has an antiblock element bonded to the second subcoat layer.

According to some embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the transfer film comprises a bf2 base film, optionally comprising at least one antiblock element and at least one subcoat layer. I'm in.

According to a particular embodiment of the first set of embodiments, the security device comprises a primer layer, a transfer formulation layer and a primer-transfer formulation, bonded to one of the subcoat layers opposite the anti-blocking element. It further comprises at least one of the double layers.

In various embodiments of the first set of embodiments, the transfer film comprises a bf2 base film, a first subcoat layer bonded to a first side and a second subcoat layer bonded to a second side. A primer-transfer forming bilayer having a subcoat layer and having an antiblocking agent bonded to a second subcoat layer is positioned between the transfer film and the security film.

In at least one embodiment of the first set of embodiments, the security film is bonded to the protected product substrate by an adhesive element disposed between the security film and the protected product substrate.

In various embodiments within the first set of embodiments, the transfer film further comprises a primer layer positioned between the transfer film and the security film.

In a second set of embodiments according to the present disclosure, the method of forming the security device is to provide a security film (130), wherein (i) the array of focusing elements (106) is an array of imaging elements ( 103) lamination on top so that a composite image is projected by the security film when the array of imaging elements is viewed through the array of focusing elements; and (ii) sticking to the focusing elements. Bonding the barrier material (115) and thereby providing a security film (130).

In various embodiments of the second set of embodiments, the method includes integrating the security film with the carrier film, integrating the security film with the transfer film, and integrating the product substrate to be protected. , wherein when the carrier film is integrated with the security film, the carrier film is bonded to the security film on the side near the array of image elements, and when the transfer film is present, the transfer film is , the security film on the side opposite the array of image elements, and when the product to be protected is integrated, the product substrate to be protected is close to the array of image elements and the security film is on the side without the carrier film. Bonded to the film.

In various embodiments, the security device within the first set of embodiments is produced by the method of the second set of embodiments.

In a third set of embodiments, the protected product is a protected product substrate (822) and a security film (820) having an anti-sticking substance (825), wherein the security film protects the product substrate. and a security film (820) coupled to.

In a protected product according to a third set of embodiments, an adhesive element is positioned between the protected product substrate and the security film.

According to a fourth set of embodiments, a method of forming a protected product includes providing a security film (130) and bonding the security film to a protected product substrate (120). I'm in.

A protected product according to the third set of embodiments formed by the method in the fourth set of embodiments.

Use of the security device of the first set of embodiments to secure protected products.

A protected product in the third set of embodiments, wherein the protected product substrate is a banknote.

Use of a protected product incorporating the security device of the first set of embodiments, wherein the protected product is a banknote.

The security device within the first set of embodiments, wherein the array of focusing elements has a focusing width, the spacer layer has a spacer width, the array of imaging elements has an image width, and the carrier The film has a carrier width such that the carrier width is greater than the image width, which in turn is greater than the spacer width, which in turn is greater than the focusing width. It is supposed to be large.

The examples and embodiments provided herein are representative of the invention provided in the appended claims.

Claims (36)

comprising (i) an array of imaging elements (103), (ii) an array of focusing elements (106), and (iii) a security film (130) comprising at least one anti-stick substance (115);
A composite image is projected by the security film when the array of focusing elements and the array of image elements are viewed through at least a portion of the array of image elements. are positioned relative to each other such that
the anti-adhesive substance is coupled to the array of focusing elements;
A security device, wherein said anti-adhesive substance is a non-ionic surfactant. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein an optical spacer is positioned between the array of imaging elements and the array of focusing elements. 3. The security device of Claim 2, wherein the optical spacer has a relief structure. In a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the array of imaging elements, the optical spacer and the array of focusing elements are stacked, each of the optical spacer and the array of imaging elements has a width; 3. The security device of claim 2, wherein the width is less than the width of the array of image elements. 4. The array of focusing elements according to claim 3, wherein said array of focusing elements has a first repetition period and said relief structure has a second repetition period, said first repetition period being greater than said second repetition period. security devices described in . 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the image elements are formed in a repeating pattern of whole images, portions of images, or frames. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the image elements are microstructures. 8. The security device of claim 7, wherein the microstructure includes at least one of voids and solid regions. 3. The security device of claim 1, further comprising a contrast material coupled to said array of image elements. 10. The security device of Claim 9, wherein the contrast material is at least one of a colored material or a reflective material. 10. The security device of claim 9, wherein the contrast material is ink disposed within microstructured voids to form the image element. 10. The security device of claim 9, wherein the contrast material comprises aluminum disposed within microstructure voids to form the image elements. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the focusing element has a base diameter of less than 50um. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the focusing elements are arranged as an array of hexagonal subsets, each side of the hexagon containing at least two focusing elements. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein said focusing element is embedded. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein said focusing element comprises a gradient index lens. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the focusing element includes at least one of a polygonal base and an aspherical body. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the focusing element has an F-number of less than four. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the array of focusing elements has a refractive index in the range of about 1.0 to about 2.5. 3. The security device of claim 2, wherein the anti-stick substance is also coupled to at least one of the optical spacer and the array of image elements. 2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the anti-adhesion substance is a surface active agent having multiple ester groups. a carrier film or product substrate to be protected;
a transfer film;
further comprising at least one of
said array of focusing elements stacked on said array of imaging elements;
When the carrier film is present, the carrier film is bonded to the security film on the side close to the array of imaging elements in the stacking direction of the array of focusing elements, and when the transfer film is present, the a transfer film is bonded to the security film on the opposite side of the stacking direction from the array of image elements;
2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the protected product substrate, if present, is bonded to the security film on a side closer to the array of image elements in the stacking direction. 23. The security device of claim 22, wherein the carrier film comprises a bf1 base film and comprises at least one of a subcoat layer and an anti-blocking element. said carrier film comprising a bf1 base film, having a first subcoat layer bonded to a first side and a second subcoat layer bonded to a second side, bonded to said second subcoat layer; 23. The security device of claim 22, having an anti-adhesive element applied thereto. 23. The security device of claim 22, wherein the transfer film comprises a bf2 base film and comprises at least one anti-blocking element and at least one subcoat layer. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising at least one of a primer layer, a decal layer, and a primer-decal forming bilayer, bonded to one of the subcoat layers opposite the antiblock element. security device. said transfer film comprising a bf2 base film, having a first subcoat layer bonded to a first side and a second subcoat layer bonded to a second side, bonded to said second subcoat layer; has an anti-blocking agent,
27. The security device of claim 26, wherein said primer-transfer-forming bilayer is disposed between said transfer film and said security film. 23. The security device of claim 22, wherein the security film is coupled to the protected product substrate by an adhesive element positioned between the security film and the protected product substrate. 23. The security device of Claim 22, wherein the transfer film further comprises a primer layer disposed between the transfer film and the security film. providing a security film (130) comprising: (i) laminating an array of focusing elements (106) onto an array of imaging elements (103), whereby said array of imaging elements is aligned with said focusing elements; and (ii) bonding an anti-adhesion substance (115) to the focusing element, thereby causing the security film to project a composite image when viewed through an array of (130);
A method of forming a security device, wherein said anti-adhesion agent is a non-ionic surfactant. integrating the security film with a carrier film or product substrate to be protected;
integrating the security film with a transfer film;
further comprising at least one of
when the carrier film is integrated with the security film, the carrier film is bonded to the security film on a side closer to the array of imaging elements in the stacking direction of the array of focusing elements;
said transfer film, if present, is bonded to said security film on the opposite side of said stacking direction from said array of image elements;
31. The method of claim 30, wherein when the protected product is consolidated, the protected product substrate is bonded to the security film on the side closer to the array of image elements in the stacking direction. 31. The security device of claim 1 formed by the method of claim 30. Providing a security film (130) according to claim 1;
bonding said security film to a protected product substrate (120). Use of a security device according to claim 1 for securing a protected product. 35. Use according to claim 34 , wherein the protected product is a bank note. a spacer layer positioned between the array of imaging elements and the array of focusing elements;
said array of focusing elements having a focusing width, said spacer layer having a spacer width, said array of imaging elements having an image width, and said carrier film having a carrier width, whereby , the width of the carrier is greater than the width of the image, the width of the image is then greater than the spacer width, and the spacer width is then greater than the focusing width; 23. A security film according to claim 22.

Images